The language of building science can be very confusing. Terms often mean something different than what the plain English interpretation would lead you to believe. In this LinkedIn post, we tackle one such term: AVB.

AVB is an acronym for “air and vapor barrier”, but it has a hidden “W'” too. An AVB also controls liquid water in addition to air and water vapor. Check out the full post below for more explanation.

Follow our account on LinkedIn for more updates building science discussion. We’ll see you there!

If you need new windows, ask your contractor for “new construction” windows.

Yes, it will cost more. That’s because “replacement” windows don’t actually replace your existing window. They get installed inside of it. The old, often failed, window frame is still there (still leaking if it did before). “New construction” windows are actually… wait for it… new windows.

This is especially important advice for condo owners (at least here in MA where unit owners own their windows). Here’s why…

Your association may decide to replace the siding at some point. When that happens it’s going to be really difficult to re-use your new “replacement” windows that you just paid for.

There’s a good chance you’ll be encouraged/required to pony up for new windows all over again, and throw your “replacement” windows into the dumpster.

While on site doing some field documentation (we’re designing masonry repairs for the building) I had the opportunity to take in this exhibit at Harvard’s Houghton Library. Highly recommended if you’re in the area.

On display are landmarks in the history of science from Houghton Library’s collections—such as first editions of Copernicus, Galileo, and Newton—together with rarely exhibited highlights from a private spaceflight collection, including artifacts used during the Apollo 11 mission and on the moon itself by astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin. Together, these objects illuminate the path of research and discovery that made Apollo 11 possible.

There’s a ton of great resources online for aspiring building envelope nerds, much of it available free of charge. In the spirit of better buildings for all of us, I wanted to start sharing some of them here on the blog.